


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
^4 32" 

Shelf .H-fetsS <o 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





iC 







JAMES B. MORGAN. 



5ong=3ern)0[)S, 



AND 



Other Poen)s. 



BY 
JAMES BBAINERD MORGAN. 



14 T89 



EICHMOND, VA. : 

Whittet & Sheppeeson, Peintees, Tenth and Main Steeets. 
1892. 



P 



75 rt^ 
H^ 5 



5** 



Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1892, by 

JAMES BRAINEKD MOKGAN, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 

All rights reserved. 



' ' With my song will I praise Him. " — Psalm xxviii. 7. 



Perhaps it may turn out a song, 
Perhaps turn out a sermon. " 



To 

Winchester, Va., 

One of the earliest ministers of the gospel I ever 

knew, and the honored friend of all life's 

later years, this little volume is 

respectfully dedicated. 

The Author. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



James Brainerd Morgan is the youngest son of the 
late Jephthah Morgan, and is a native of Berkeley 
County, West Virginia, his father's family having re- 
moved to that county from his old home, near Shep- 
herdstown, a short time prior to the birth of the subject 
of this sketch. 

He is a lineal descendant of the widely-known Jen- 
nings and Vail families, who were among the earliest 
English settlers in America, and is one of the many 
heirs of the great fortune said to belong to the estate 
of the former, but has not yet realized any tangible re- 
sults from that connection. His grandfather and great- 
grandfather, both named William Morgan, were officers 
in the Colonial army, and after the Revolutionary War 
were large landholders and prominent citizens of the 
young Commonwealth of Virginia. 

As a writer of verse Mr. Morgan's career began in his 
early years. His first appearance in print was as much 
a surprise as a gratification. He had written a poem 
on the death of a young relative and sent the manu- 
script to a brother of the deceased, who was much 
pleased therewith, and had it published in the local 
paper. Since that time his poetic contributions have 
appeared in a number of the leading magazines and 
periodicals of the country. He has been paid the com- 
pliment of having some of his poems set to music, with- 



10 Biographical Sketch. 



out his knowledge, and the appropriation of others by- 
unscrupulous writers as an easy means of securing a 
reputation. 

Mr. Morgan is an earnest advocate of the temperance 
reform, and has written largely in both prose and verse 
in its behalf. In the Independent Order of Good Tem- 
plars he found congenial work and merited appreciation, 
having been the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the 
State for the past ten years, and been sent several times as 
its representative in the highest legislative body of the 
Order in the world. 

He is also an enthusiastic Sunday-school worker, and 
has been connected with that cause as scholar, teacher 
or superintendent from his early boyhood. His pen has 
been effectively used in behalf of this important branch 
of Christian labor, his religious poems meeting with 
much favor. In 1870 he established the Gerrardstown 
(W. Va.) Times, and has since that time been the editor 
and publisher of that paper. 

Mr. Morgan married Miss Margaret Gold, daughter of 
the late Washington Gold, and has found in her not 
only the sweet rhyme to the verse of his own life, but 
a source of inspiration and encouragement in his poetic 
writings for publication. 

THOS. H. BUCK, M. D. 
Leetown, W. Va. 



CONTENT 


s. 

Page. 




The Great Commission, 15 


Invocation, .... 








19 


Rests By the Way, 








20 


" Jesus Loves Me, Too," 








22 


The Mysteries Around Us, . 








25 


The Rainbow, 








27 


What Doest Thou Here? . 








28 


Shun the Cup, 








30 


In Need of Cleansing, 








32 


The Midnight Sky, 








. 33 


None Like Unto Thee, 








35 


Glad Tidings, .... 








38 


"All Bright— Bright— Bright," . 








40 


Weep Not the Dead, . 








43 


The Mission of Sorrow, 








44 


The Measure of Service, 








47 


Easter Morning, . 








49 


Not as I Thought, 








50 


Dedication Hymn, 








54 


Morning Joy, 








. 56 


Strike for Temperance, 








. 57 


One Year in Heaven, . 








. 59 



12 Contents. 


Page 




Lesson from the Clouds, 61 


Tribute of Love, .... 






63 


Do All the Good You Can, . 






65 


Nothing but Leaves, 






67 


Peace, Be Still, .... 






69 


The Water of Life, 






71 


Stand Up for the Right, 






72 


Among Silent Homes, . 






73 


Seed-time, 






. 75- 


Words Are Seeds, 






76 


All for Good, .... 






78 


A Sunset Lesson, 






80 


Four-fold, 






81 


Our Father's Care, 






83 


I Love the Bright, Bright Sunshine, 






84 


Lesson of the Leaf, 






87 


"Only A Glass of Wine," . 






89 


Two Prayers, .... 






91 


The Matchless Teacher, 






92 


Making Memories, 






95 


Light in Darkness, 






96 


The Land of Rest, .... 






99 


The Power of Christ, . 






102 


The Test of Love, 






104 


Sunrise, . . . . 






106 


"And Yet There is Room," 






107 



SONG- SERMONS, 



OTHER POEMS. 



SONG-SERMONS. 



THE GEEAT COMMISSION. 



"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every 
creature. " — Mabk xvi. 15. 



" Go, preach ! " said the Saviour divine, 

" The gospel I brought from above, 
Until every creature has heard 

My offer of pardon and love." 
And all who believe on his name 

The gracious command should obey, , 
To tell of the rescue from sin, 

And point out to heaven the way. 

"[Go, preach!" oh! ye chosen of God, 

With credentials direct from the throne ; 
Proclaim the high word of your King, 

Unto all his blest message make known ; 
Go, urge to repentance and faith, 

Go, tell of the ransom from sin ; 
In the strength of your Master go forth, 

New triumphs and trophies to win. 



16 The Gee at Commission. 



But if it be not your station 

To stand upon Zion's high wall, 
And in the great congregation 

Offer peace and pardon to all, 
'Tis not in such places alone 

The message is to be given ; 
Wherever a sinner is found, 

Should sound the glad tidings from heaven. 

"Go, preach" in the home to the children, 

Fond mother, the gospel of love ; 
Lead by example and precept 

To a home far brighter above ; 
In faith on their tender young hearts 

The teachings of Jesus impress, 
That they come unto him who still 

Doth love little children to bless. 

"Go, preach" to the dear little ones 

Who gather around day by day, 
O teacher, and lead their young hearts 

To tread in true wisdom's fair way ; 
Teach to them rich lessons of truth 

And a trust in the Father divine, 
That all over their pathway below 

His glory and blessing may shine. 



The Geeat Commission. 17 



"■ Go, preach," O skillful physician, 

In the darkened chamber of pain ; 
Bid the sufferer look unto him 

Who victor o'er death doth e'er reign ; 
Who bore all our sorrow and sin, 

And his own life even did yield, 
That gladness might banish despair, 

And we by his stripes should be healed.. 

" Go, preach " in melodious words, 

O poet, and joyously sing 
The deathless song of salvation, 

That doth with such harmonies ring ; 
Send forth the glad invitation, 

The soft, golden notes still prolong, 
'Til lost ones, won by its sweetness, 

Unite in redemption's high song. 

" Go, preach ! " oh ! commission most high ! 

Oh ! most honored and blessed employ ! 
To bring unto men upon earth 

A foretaste of heaven's own joy — 
To point out the pathway of light 

That leads to the realms of the blest, 
And lift from sin, sorrow and shame 

Precious souls to glory and rest. 



18 The Great Commission. 



"Go, preach!" 'Tis the Master's command 

To all who have tasted his grace ; 
By lip and by life make him known 

To all of our lost, sinful race ; 
Though your talent be one or be ten, 

Be faithful and use all in love, 
To set forth the Saviour of men, 

And lead to the mansions above. 



INVOCATION. 

O Lord! in whom we live, 
As now once more we meet, 

Thy gracious presence to ns give 
And make our joys complete. 

Help us to sing and pray, 
To speak and act aright, 

And grant that all we do and say 
May prosper in thy sight. 

Thy truth unto us show, 
As we shall read thy word, 

That we in grace may ever grow 
And knowledge of the Lord. 

Oh ! may thy Spirit's power 
New life and strength impart,. 

And richly fill this sacred hour 
With blessings for each heart. 



BESTS BY THE WAY. 



' ' Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest awhile. 
-Mark vi. 31. 



Oh ! how sweet are the Master's words, 

As we journey along through life — 
A-weary and worn with the toil, 

Or beaten and bruised in the strife ; 
He seeth his fainting children, 

And saith with love's tenderest smile, 
As he leads to some quiet retreat : 

" Come ye apart and rest awhile." 

Oh ! sweet is the rest he giveth 

To strengthen and gladden and cheer ! 
The hand is made fitter for toil, 

The heart groweth stronger to bear. 
The soul might not bear to the end 

The burden and heat of the day, 
Did the loving Saviour not give 

These sweet little rests by the way. 



Bests By the Way. 21 



These rests are but for a season, 

How welcome soever and sweet ; 
The call cometh soon to arise 

And go forth new duties to meet. 
But with a fresh courage and strength 

The trusting disciple doth go, 
Wherever the Master may lead 

Through all of life's journey below. 

Life's work must be wrought to the end — 

The battle be fought to a close — 
Ere we hear the welcome " Well done ! " 

Or conquer the last of our foes. 
But the journey will soon be o'er, 

The turmoil and conflict will cease, 
And we'll find th' rest that remaineth 

In the land of unbroken peace. 



" JESUS LOVES ME, TOO. 



' ' As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you ; continue 
ye in my love. ''—John xv. 9. 



A gentle girl in youth's bright bloom 

Lay on her dying bed, 
But childlike trust in love divine 

Sweet peace around her shed ; 
And when her aged grandfather spake 

Of earthly love so true 
That he and others bore her, said : 

" And Jesus loves me, too." 

Yes, Jesus loves thee, precious thought! 

And he will safely bear 
Thy spirit to those mansions bright 

He went hence to prepare ; 
And there thy ransomed soul shall live 

From sin and sorrow free, 
And through eternal ages prove 

Thy Saviour's love for thee. 



Jesus Loves Me, Too. 23 



Well might the angels in their home 

Of joy above the skies 
Hegard the strange and matchless truth 

With wonder and surprise, 
That he, their sovereign king, who reigned 

In shadeless bliss above, 
Should bear for Adam's ruined race 

Such boundless, deathless love. 

No other hope so bright as this ! 

No other love so strong ! 
It gives to joy a richer depth 

When friends around us throng ; 
And when life's dreary cares arise, 

And sorrow shrouds the heart, 
It brightens with the growing cloud, 

And doth sweet peace impart. 

All other love may fade and die, 

As human hearts may change, 
But this true love from trusting hearts 

Nothing can e'er estrange. 
'Twas born in love's own native clime, 

The sinless realms on high ; 
Twas sung on fair Judea's plain, 

And sealed on Calvary. 



24 



Jesus Loves Me, Too. 



Upon this love the human heart 

In fearless trust may rest 
Through all life's way, and when death's cup 

Unto the lip is prest. 
Oh, may each one who reads these lines 

Believe the promise true, 
And sweetly know, each for himself, 

That Jesus loves him, too. 



THE MYSTEBIES ABOUND US. 



' ' Great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 
Job xxxvii. 5. 



O, the mysteries that surround us, 

Far, far beyond our finite ken! 
O, the volume deep, mysterious, 

From nature's mighty author's pen ! 
Since creations dawn unopened, 

O, who can break the binding seal? 
Who can turn the mystic pages, 

Or the secret lore reveal ? 

The simplest things that are around 

Proud reason's boasted powers confute ; 
The causes of a blossom's tint, 

The flavor of a grain or fruit — 
The action of the human will, 

Of friendship's smile or anger's tone ; 
The little rill, the mountain crest, 

Hold mysteries unto us unknown. 



26 The Mysteries Around Us. 



Although we cannot comprehend 

The unseen course, the hidden cause, 
Or with our finite powers reveal 

Old nature's secrets or her laws, 
Yet this one truth we plainly learn : 

That naught doth by blind chance befall ;. 
But power and wisdom infinite 

Ever sustain and govern all. 

The selfsame law that forms a leaf, 

And fitly tunes the wild bird's song, 
Upholds the mighty universe 

And wheels its myriad worlds along ; 
And he who spake those worlds to life, 

And gave unto that law its power, 
Would teach us by his works and word 

To know, acknowledge and adore. 

Blind wanderers in a shaded way, 

Who, stumbling 'long dark paths, advance,. 
From nature we would rise to thee, 

Who reads her mysteries at a glance. 
Oh ! grant us guidance, all divine, 

From nature's darkness to thy light, 
That we may solve the mystery 

Of mortal death and endless life. 



THE KAINBOW. 

Upon the rainbow's lovely form, 
Arching the dark retreating storm, 
"We read God's promise, new and bright, 
As when it first appeared to sight. 

So all his promises are sure, 
And mnst for ever more endure, 
Kept by his truth and love divine, 
E'en 'though men see no outward sign. 






WHAT DOEST THOU HEKE? 



' ' The word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him,. 
What doest thou here, Elijah ? " — 1 Kings xix. 9. 



" What cloest thou here? " Didst thou flee 

Through fear of Jezebel and seek to hide 
For safety in the mountain cave, 

Forgetful of thy God and guide? 
Oh ! trembling soul, arise. Put on 

Salvation's helmet, take the sword 
Of the Spirit, and hence go forth, 

Obedient to thy Master's word. 

"What doest thou here?" Is this the place 

To which the Master calleth thee 
And bidd'st thee work? Then labor on 

In faith and trust, and thou shalt see 
His work to prosper in thy hand, 

Thvsclf in peace and safety dwell, 
While led and kept by watchful eye 

Of him who doeth all things well. 



What Doest Thou Heee ? 29 



Where the Master calls, the servant must 

With prompt obedience ever go 
Forth, unto labor or to war, 

Though rough the path or strong the foe 
And e'er for him who in faith goes, 

The manna falls, the sea divides, 
'The desert blossoms as the rose, 

And all things good his Lord provides. 

"What doest thou here?" Oh! solemn call 

That cometh unto every one ! 
For each the Master hath a place 

Where useful labor may be done. 
Oh ! seek and find thy place of toil, 

Be faithful till the setting sun, 
And thou shalt have a rich reward, 

Shalt hear the plaudit glad, " Well done!" 






SHUN THE CUP. 



"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth 
his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it 
biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder.'' — Pbov. xxiiL 
31, 32. 



Look not on the sparkling wine 

Seeming bright and cheering ; 
They who tarry at it long 

Bitter grief are nearing. 

Choeus. — Shun the cup, shun the cup, 
Touch it, taste it never ; 
Shame and tears are in its depths, 
Sin and death forever. 

List not to its siren song, 

Though of joy it singeth ; 
It will pierce thy soul at last, 

As an adder stingeth. 



Shun The Cup. 31 



Chorus. — Shun the cup, shun the cup, 
Touch it, taste it never ; 
Shame and tears are in its depths, 
Sin and death forever. 

Want and woe are in its train, 

Stripes and wounds its dower ; 
Hearts are broken — souls are lost — 

By its fearful power. 

Chorus. — Shun the cup, shun the cup, 
Touch it, taste it never ; 
Shame and tears are in its depths, 
Sin and death forever. 



IN NEED OF CLEANSING. 



Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. " — Matt. viii. 2. 



The will and the power to cleanse, 

Lord ! is thine ; 
The great need of thy cleansing 

Is mine, is mine. 

The foul leprosy of sin 

Doth fill my heart! 
If thou wilt, thou canst cleanse it 

In every part. 

Upright would I be in life, 

And pure within! 
Saviour ! wash my sinful heart, 

And make me clean. 



THE MIDNIGHT SKY. 



"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament 
showeth his handywork." — Psalm xix. 1. 



How beautiful is the midnight sky 
With its sheen of silver light, 

Its million sparkling orbs on high, 
Gems upon the brow of night! 

The silver moon, like a fairy queen 7 
Sails through the realms of blue, 

While 'mid soft, fleecy clouds are seen 
The twinkling stars peep through. 

Fair pearly clouds float to and fro 

Across the face of heaven, 
Like moving drifts of filmy snow 

By gentle zephyrs driven. 

O, well may men a lesson learn 

From those golden worlds on high,. 

Which nightly on their orbits burn, 
Gilding with light the azure sky. 






34 The Midnight Sky, 



Those floating clouds — that silver moon— 

Those sparkling stars above, 
Do ever sing in sweetest tune 

God's goodness and his love. 



Formed by his all-powerful hand, 

They show his wisdom still, 
Ever obey his just command, 

Their destined mission to fulfil. 

And so should we with earnest will 
Our every duty here perform, 

E'er do the right — e'er shun the ill — 
In sunshine and in storm. 

Then let us in life's golden day, 

E'er heed the lessons they have given, 

So that, when they have passed away, 
We may safely rest in heaven. 






NONE LIKE UNTO THEE. 



"Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, Lord ! thou 
art great, and thy name is great in might." — Jeeemiah x. 6. 



Lord, how wise and great thou art ! 

Almighty God and King! 
Nature's courses thou didst start 

In time's fresh, primeval spring. 
Wheresover life is found, 

In heaven, or earth, or sea, 
All the universe around, 

"There is none like unto thee." 

Morning's light thou sendest forth, 

Evening's curtains thou dost draw ; 
Hoar-frost from the frozen North, 

Soft South winds obey thy law. 
E'en the sparrow thou dost feed, 

From thy store-house full and free, 
And givest all thy children need — 

"There is none like unto thee." 
5 



36 None Like Unto Thee. 



When the cup of pleasure sweet 

In our social hours we taste, 
Joy grows brighter when we meet 

Jesus as our friend and guest ; 
Thou art loving, and clost give 

Purest pleasures, from sin free, 
Unto those who for thee live— 

"There is none like unto thee." 

In the hour when sorrows rise 

And the heart is sore and lone, 
When dark shadows dim the skies, 

And all life's glowing tints are gone, 
Then for thy children there doth shine 

Strength and comfort that can be 
Given but by love divine — 

"There is none like unto thee." 

When the conflict rages sore 

On the battlefield of life, 
And the soul almost gives o'er 

'Mid the surging of the strife, 
When it hears thy mighty voice : 

"Fear not, I thy strength will be!" 
Faith revives and saints rejoice — 

"There is none like unto thee." 



None Like Unto Thee. 37 



In the days of blooming youth, 

When the world smiles bright and fair, 
To the heart that owns the truth, 

Thou dost come with blessings rare ; 
And as earthly years increase, 

To the trusting soul shall be, 
From thy hand, new joy and peace — 

" There is none like unto thee." 

When old age draws on apace 

And thy children walk in pain, 
They shall find thy constant grace 

Still sufficient to sustain • 
Thou wilt raise them if they fall, 

And wilt carry, if needs be ; 
Oh! amid life's phases all 

"There is none like unto thee." 

When the gate of heaven shall ope 

To the ransomed soul above, 
Full fruition comes to hope, 

In the land of light and love, 
As the victor takes his crown, 

In fadeless glory he shall see 
As eternity rolls on, 

" There is none like unto thee," 



GOOD TIDINGS. 



"And the angel said unto them, Fear not ; for behold I bring 
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." — 
Luke ii. 10. 



" Good tidings of great joy : " 

The promised Saviour came, 
To lift our fallen, ruined race 

From hopeless sin and shame! 
'Mid song of angels, such 

As ne'er were heard till then, 
His coming brought " Glory to God, 

Peace and good-will to men." 

" Good tidings of great joy : " 

The loving Saviour died, 
Finished the work his Father gave, 

And justice satisfied. 
He laid his own life down 

That man might never die, 
But gain through him eternal life 

Of joy and bliss on high. 



Good Tidings. 39 

" Good tidings of great joy : " 

The mighty Saviour rose 
From the dark prison of the grave, 

Triumphant o'er his foes ; 
The terrors of the tomb 

No more our souls affright ; 
He pass'd through all its darksome gloom 

And made the passage bright. 

" Good tidings of great joy : " 

The Saviour comes again, 
No more to bleed and die, 

But King o'er all to reign. 
Let songs of earth and sky 

With loud acclaim resound 
In honor of our Saviour King, 

With endless glory crown'd. 



ALL BRIGHT— BEIGHT— BKIGHT ! " 



"The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more 
and more unto the perfect day. " — Proverbs iv. 18. 



An aged one, whose feet had trod 

For threescore years and more 
The paths of life, had reached at last 

The boundary of time's shore ; 
When told that clouds were in the sky, 

And asked how to her sight 
The future seemed, with joyful voice 

Replied : " All bright, bright, bright ! " 

In the bright days of sunny youth 

Upon her heart and life, 
The Sun of Righteousness arose 

With priceless blessings rife ; 
It gilded all her pathway here 

With fair and beauteous light, 
And at the last dispell'd death's shade 

And made " all bright, bright, bright." 



All Bright — Bright — Bright ! 41 



Behind were all earth's pleasures now — 

Its trials — troubles — cares 
Were borne forevermore from her 

On the current of the years ; 
Life's work well done, she did not fear 

The coming of the night ; 
Before, the eternal day appeared 

And all was " bright, bright, bright ! " 

Sore sickness racked her feeble frame 

Through weary nights and days, 
But could not hush the joyous strain 

Of grateful prayer and praise ; 
No suffering weakened faith in him 

Who made them all seem light, 
And by his presence and support 

Did make " all bright, bright, bright ! " 

'Though passing from the earth fore'er — 

With loved ones called to part — 
The victor's song was on her lip, 

His rapture in her heart ; 
With high, exultant hope her soul 

Beheld the growing light 
Of heaven with all its glory near, 

And " all was bright, bright, bright ! " 



42 All Bright — Bright — Bright! 



The bright example she has left 

Should give new pow'r to faith, 
To battle with the ills of life 

And triumph over death ; 
Oh ! may her trust and hope be ours, 

So that, when death's dark night 
Shall come to us, our happy souls 

May find " all bright, bright, bright ! 



WEEP NOT THE DEAD. 



"Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him." — Jee. xxii. 10. 



Weep not the dead, whose weary years 

Of pain and suffering are past, 
Around whose heart nor grief nor sin 

Their darksome shadows e'er can cast. 

Weep not the dead, though sorrow deep 
Around thy heart and home may close, 

But joy to think the ransomed soul 
Doth rest in endless, blest repose. 

Weep not the dead! They are not dead, 
But thus have only gone before 

To that bright home where loving hearts 
May meet and live for evermore. 

Weep not the dead ! The yawning grave 
Is but the way which all must tread 

To reach that fair and blessed land 

That hath no graves — no tears — no dead. 
6 



THE MISSION OF SOEEOW. 



' ' For goodly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be 
repented of. "—2 Corinthians vii. 10. 



Did the bright sun forever shine 

With a clear, unclouded ray, 
Casting ever 'round our paths 

The shadeless light of sunny day, 
Did no darkening clouds arise, 

No gentle showers of rain descend, 
Did no silent diamond dew 

With the twilight shadows blend, 
The thirsty earth beneath our feet 

Like unto sterile brass would grow, 
Man's heart would faint, and life become 

A dreary scene of pain and woe. 

Were there no sable curtains drawn 
About the earth at day's decline, 

Admiring eyes would never see 

The countless stars that o'er us shine ; 



The Mission of Sorrow. 45 



Those gems that deck the azure sky, 

Like jewels from a casket tost, 
In vain for us would blaze and burn— 

Their beauty and their lessons lost. 

So, did the sun of earthly joy 

Around man's path unshaded beam, 
Did prosperous gales e'er fill his sails 

On smiling pleasure's glittering stream ; 
"Were no chastening rod unpraised 

In veiled Mercy's loving hand — 
Were shipwrecked hopes and shattered plans, 

Never strewn along life's strand, 
He would forget his nobler part, 

His glorious heritage on high, 
And groveling in the dust of earth, 

His deathless soul would ever lie. 



Sorrows sanctified have led 

Many a careless heart to thought, 
And by the power of grace divine 

The soul to peace and pardon brought ; 
Sorrows sanctified have won 

Many a wandering child to come 
Back to the narrow path that leads 

To^love and joy's immortal home. 



46 The Mission of Soebow. 



When sorrows come and life grows dark, 
And mortal aid is poor and weak, 

When from the things of earth the soul 
In vain doth help and comfort seek, 

God's precious promises of love, 
Like rarest jewels of the mine, 

Like gleaming stars when night has come, 
Doth with unshadowed lustre shine. 



THE MEASUBE OF SEBVICE. 



' ' He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in 
much." — Luke xvi. 10. 



Do you feel your life is narrow, 

And your circuit of service small — 
That the duties which await you 

Are scarce worth doing after all? 
'Tis not alone in widest spheres, 

By lofty ones, that good is done, 
But in the constant, faithful doing 

Of present duty by each one. 

The midnight sky above us gleams 

Bright with a glory all untold, 
As the soft stars shine and deck it, 

Like jewels on a cloth of gold ; 
Yet each star that gleameth brightly 

Hath there its own special sphere, 
And must move within its limits 

To make the whole so passing fair. 



48 The Measure of Service. 



So our lives may seem but narrow, 

And our circuit of service small, 
Yet by each one's earnest doing 

Is shaped the joy and weal of all; 
And 'tis not on high position 

The Master doth rewards bestow, 
But on "good and faithful servants," 

Whate'er their stations, high or low. 



EASTEE MOENING. 



"He is not here, but is risen." — Luke xxiv. 6. 



It was the Easter Morn 

That saw the Saviour rise, 
Triumphant o'er the power of death, 

While angels from the skies 
Proclaimed the message glad 

To Mary at his tomb — 
The tidings that from all the earth 

Should scatter sin's deep gloom. 

Upon this Easter Morn 

Our tribute we would bring, 
Of praise and gratitude sincere 

Unto our risen King. 
Oh ! Saviour, now impart 

Thy blessing all divine, 
And on each hoping, trusting heart 

With rising glory shine. 



NOT AS I THOUGHT. 



"A man's heart deviseth his way ; but the Lord directeth his 
steps." — Pro verbs xvi. 9. 



Not as I thought, when in life's morn 
I plann'd my way through coming years, 

Has been the path my feet have trod 
Through all this lowly vale of tears. 

Hope dipp'd her brush in dazzling tints 

And gilded all life's future way ; 
Through valleys green, 'mid springing flowers, 

By purling streams my steps should stray. 

The purple fruits of earthly joy 

Hung thickly clustering to my sight ; 

Fair pleasure oped her glittering store, 
And fame, too, filled her chalice bright. 

The coming years seemed to tell 
Of naught but sunny hours to me ; 

The passing of life's rosy hours 
Seemed but a song of melody. 



Not as I Thought. 51 



High, noble deeds and worthy thoughts 
Should mark the way in which I'd live, 

While all, with admiration rilled, 

The need of well-earned praise should give. 

Oh ! beauteous dreamings of my youth, 
Like gorgeous visions of the night 

Ye quickly paled and passed away 
Before the noon-day's clearer light. 

Not as I thought ! I have been led 

Oft in a way I knew not of ; 
Where I had hoped for pleasant paths, 

My feet have pressed the mountain rough. 

The blooming flowers have turned to thorns, 
The sparkling streamlets soon dried up, 

And where I looked for crimson wine, 
A bitter mixture brim'd the cup. 

The tender thought and kindly word 
Have oft been trampled in the dust, 

And deeds, unselfish as the sun, 

Been viewed with coldness and distrust. 

But no murmur should I breathe ; 

A hand unseen has led me on ! 
My earthly journey has been planned 

By higher wisdom than mine own. 

7 



52 Not as I Thought. 



And for the future I can trust 

My lot to him who knoweth best ; 
Assured that if his way I tread 

'Twill lead to endless joy and rest. 

'Though sorrows came, they did but add 

A deeper sweetness to life's tune, 
While priceless blessings, richest joys, 

And fadeless hopes my path have strewn. 

My fate is but a type of all — 

None fully tread the path they thought 

When first life's journey is begun — 

With change life's passing years are fraught. 

Unthought-of clouds oft veil the sky, 
Unlooked-for gladness gilds the day, 

And ship-wrecked hopes and broken dreams 
In glittering ruins mark the way. 

The paths we trace for our own feet 
Go not beyond the transient mortal, 

Though fair and glowing they may be, 
They terminate at death's dark portal. 

But oh ! the paths our Father's love 

Would have us tread, 'though narrow, straight, 
Will lead us safely here below, 

And surely through the pearly gate 



Not as I Thought. 53 



That opens to you guileless clime, 
Where living waters ceaseless flow, 

Where we may clasp the angel hands 
Of those who loved us here below ; 

Where love's glad anthems ever swell, 
Where hopes ne'er fade, nor joys decay, 

Where grief and sorrow never dwell, 
But every tear is wiped away ; 

Where deathless bliss doth ever reign, 
And weary fears and doubts ne'er come, 

But endless life each one doth gain 
In that eternal, heavenly home. 



DEDICATION HYMN. 



"Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell amonj 
them. " — Exodus xxv. 8. 



Oh! Lord, thou great and Sovereign King 

Of heaven and earth and sea, 
Accept this earthly house we bring 

And dedicate it to thee. 

Come, gracious Saviour, now and own 
This house thy dwelling place, 

And here in saving power make known 
The glories of thy grace. 

Oh ! may the Spirit's sacred fire 

Upon these altars burn, 
Thy people with new zeal inspire, 

And bid the sinner turn. 



Dedication Hymn. 55 



Within these walls may prayer and praise 

As grateful incense be, 
Many here learn to love thy ways 

And truly worship thee. 

Oh! may thy tender care and love 

Assist our souls to rise, 
Until we reach thy house above, 

Thy temple in the skies. 



MORNING JOY. 



'Though the eve be marked with tears, 
And the night be dark and long, 

When the morning light appears 

Shall be heard love's gladsome song. 

How the joy-bells then shall ring, 
In the fair, sweet morning light, 

As the ransomed sonl shall sing, 
In the land that knows no night! 






a » '_- 



o; 



J3 ttjC-rf. T) 






• <-i- .-. £- a ■ 



STEIKE FOE TEMPEEANCE. 



"Fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your 
wives and your houses." — Nehemiah iv. 14. 



Stkike for the cause of temperance 

With sturdy blows and true, 
The foe is strong before us 

There's work for all to do. 
Strike with the strength of manhood, 

Strike with the zeal of youth, 
Strike for the home and fireside, 

For purity and truth. 

Strike for the cause of temperance, 

'Tis worth thy thought and care 
To brighten homes of sorrow, 

And saddened hearts to cheer ; 
To aid thy fallen brother 

The demon's yoke to break, 
And with new hope and courage 

A freeman's place to take. 



58 Strike for Temperance. 



Strike for the cause of temperance 

With earnest voice and pen, 
And bear glad words of promise 

To all the sons of men. 
Strike 'neath the smile of heaven, 

That doth the right defend, 
Strike till the shout of triumph 

Proclaims the warfare's end. 



ONE YEAR IN HEAVEN. 



Eevelation vii. 14, 15, 16, 17. 



One year in heaven — one blissful year — 
Unmarred by sorrow, pain or care ! 
One perfect year, where all is love, 
In that bright land of joy above ! 
There is no night, no shade, no gloom, 
No sin, no death, no yawning tomb ; 
No darksome cloud doth ever rise 
To dim the beauty of its skies ; 
No faded hope, no withered flowers, 
Are found in all those blissful bowers. 

One year in heaven ! To those below 
Who tread earth's shaded paths of woe, 
And own love's loss with bitter tears, 
How long one passing year appears ! 
But in that happy home on high, 
Where all the tears from every eye 
Are wiped away by God's own hand 
Forevermore in the glory -land, 
Where fadeless joy and beauty beam, 
How short one blissful year must seem ! 



60 One Year in Heaven. 



One year in heaven ! In realms of joy 
What is the spirit's blessed employ ? 
Eye hath not seen nor hath ear heard 
The things prepared, the gifts confer'd ; 
The place they fill, the work they share, 
We know not, but they surely bear 
Some glorious part in deeds of love 
Devised by him who reigns above, 
And sends them forth, glad to fulfil 
His sovereign and all-loving will. 

One year in heaven, that blest abode ! 

The land of light — the home of God ! 

The happy soul begins to see 

The glory that shall henceforth be 

Kevealed as ceaseless ages roll, 

To each redeemed and ransomed soul, 

By him who suffered in its stead, 

And for its sake his life-blood shed, 

And in his boundless love has given 

Not one brief year, but endless life in heaven. 



A LESSON FEOM THE CLOUDS. 



' ' Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and thy faithfulness 
reacheth unto the clouds." — Psalm xxxvi. 5. 



A sable mantle veils the sky, 

The day is dark and drear, 
Dark, gloomy clouds now hang on high, 

Where all was lately bright and clear ; 
And yet we know that soon the clouds 

Will all dissolve and pass away, 
The golden sun again beam forth 

To gladden with its cheering ray ; 
Then brighter will his beams appear, 

His beauteous smile give more delight 
Than if no cloud had e'er come near 

To shadow for a time his light. 

So when the storms of life shall come, 
And gloomy clouds arise above, 

We should not in despair sit down, 
For oft they're sent in kindest love 

To draw our hearts, that likely else 
- Would cling too closely to this earth, 



62 A Lesson from the Clouds. 



To nobler things, and prove to us 
That life is not all sunny mirth ; 

And when in turn they all shall flee, 
And we know they're not fore'er, 

Purer, better, we may be 

Than if no clouds had e'er come near. 



A TEIBUTE OF LOYE. 



"And to esteem them very highly in love, for their work' 
sake."— 1 Thess. v. 13. 



The dear old church near the village doth stand 
'Mid its sentinel oak trees lofty and grand, 
Where white marble marks the sleep of its dead, 
And the worshippers meet with reverent tread ; 
Thither there came in the vigor of youth, 
With ardor and zeal, a herald of truth, 
To tell the old story of pardon and love, 
To point and to lead to mansions above. 

How winsome he seemed to the heart of a child 
As he stood up to preach, so earnest and mild, 
And brought the glad news with eloquent tongue, 
To comfort and teach, the old and the young ! 
The hearts of the people went out to him then, 
They saw and knew him a prince among men ; 
His gospel of lip and of life were the same — 
They loved him for both as among them he came. 



64 A Tribute of Love. 



Long years have gone by, great changes have come ! 
Many who welcomed to heart and to home 
Have passed from earth to the grave's silent rest, 
And sleep with the myrtle and rose o'er their breast ; 
But children have grown their places to fill, 
And hold him in loving remembrance still ; 
And when he doth come, too seldom we deem, 
Glad is the welcome our hearts give to him. 

Though years have sifted upon him their snow, 
We see that in strength abideth his bow ; 
The soft blue eyes their brightness retain, 
The musical voice still doth victories gain ; 
The true, gentle heart with ardor doth glow, 
And zeal for the truth as erst he did know, 
As he tells the story of pardon and love, 
And points and leads to the mansions above. 

We trust that he still in health will be spared 
To tell the glad message he long hath declared ; 
By lip and by life in love to impart 
The ripened fruitage of mind and of heart. 
May richest blessings his pathway here meet, 
And when life's mission and work are complete, 
May countless rich jewels — trophies of love — 
Cluster and shine in his bright crown above. 



DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN. 



Traveller, o'er the winding way 

Of this checkered earthly life, 
Basking in the sun's bright ray, 

Or battling with dark care and strife, 
Through whatever may betide, 

In thy intercourse with man, 
'Mid lonely scenes or lofty pride — 

Do all the good you can. 

Raise the fallen, aid the weak, 

Bid the drooping spirit hope, 
Words of cheer and comfort speak, 

Wreathe with purest joy life's cup ; 
Cause bright pleasure rare to flow 

Where once the streams of sorrow ran, 
Sweet flowers, instead of thorns, to grow- 

Do all the good you can. 



66 Do All the Good You Can. 



Be not discouraged if thy deeds 

Should seem bestowed on barren wold 
They yet, like good and fruitful seeds, 

May richly yield a hundred-fold. 
Then wheresoe'er thy lot is cast, 

E'er strive to bless thy fellow-man, 
And till life's fitful course is pass'd — 

Do all the good you can. 



NOTHING BUT LEAVES. 



"And when he came to it he found nothing but leaves." 
Mark xi. 13. 



Nothing but leaves ! The Son of God 
Walked forth in morning's golden light 

With chosen friends, and hungry, saw 
A spreading fig-tree cheer his sight. 

He drew anear, but when he sought 
For fruit his hunger to relieve, 

He found upon its branches fair 
Nothing but leaves. 

Nothing but leaves ! The maker's curse 
Did blight and blast the barren tree ! 

Let it not prove in state or fate 
A fearful emblem, soul, of thee ! 

Thy Lord will surely come and seek 
Fruit in return for what he gives. 

Oh ! tremble lest thou then shalt show 
Nothing but leaves. 



Nothing But Leaves. 



Nothing but leaves ! Oh ! strike thy roots 
Deep in the soil by faith and prayer, 

That when the gathering time is come 
Kich clusters of ripe fruit thou'lt bear. 

Eest not content with outward show, 
'Though man thy fruitfulness believes, 

For fear thy Judge should come and find 
Nothing but leaves. 

Nothing but leaves ! Oh ! bear the fruits 
Of pure, clean thoughts, for such do give 

A coloring to the outward lives 
That mortals on the earth do live. 

Yield fruits of kindly words and deeds 
To aid the cause of him who gives 

Thee every gift, nor mock him with 
Nothing but leaves. 

Nothing but leaves ! The gentle dew, 
The cheering rain, the warming sun 

Of grace divine have fallen e'er 
Upon thee since thy life began. 

Improve these blessings which thy soul 
From thy great Lord and King receives, 

Nor meet the doom of those who bear 
Nothing but leaves. 



PEACE, BE STILL. 



"And he arose and rebuked the winds, and said unto the 
Peace, be still. "—Mark iv. 39. 



The storm-charged clouds did darkly lower 

Upon the breast of Galilee, 
And with a fearful, furious power 

Raged on that blue, historic sea ; 
But when the storm was at its height, 

And the tempest wild and shrill, 
Amid the darkness of the night 

A voice commanded, " Peace, be still ! " 

And lo ! the raging waters heard 

The voice of their Creator, God, 
And at that mighty, sovereign word 

Were into calmness awed ; 
The angry waves their fury stayed, 

The boisterous winds grew still, 
When their rebuking Master bade 

In tones of power, " Peace, be still ! " 



70 Peace, Be Still. 



So when dark sorrows fiercely roll 

In angry waves of wild unrest, 
And passions deep beyond control 

Doth sway the human breast, 
Amid the darkest storms of life, 

Of weary woe or boding ill, 
Oh ! may we hear amid the strife 

Our Father whisper, " Peace, be still ! 



THE WATEE OF LIFE. 



Forth from under the throne of God 

Floweth the river of life ; 
Bright and pure is the sparkling tide, 
Spreading in beauty far and wide, 

And with priceless blessings rife. 

Vain are all the fountains of earth 

To quench the thirst of the soul ! 
All brightly may gleam the streams of mirth, 
Riches and fame — they leave a dearth, 
How full soever they roll. 

But th' river of water of life 

Is bright and clear in its flow, 
Beneath the light of heaven's pure gleam, 
And whoso drinketh of that stream 

No thirst forever shall know. 



STAND UP FOE THE EIGHT. 



"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong." 
— 1 Cok. xvi. 13. 



Stand up for the Eight — Stand up for the Eight ! 

In the flush of thy youth and in manhood's strong 
prime ; 
With spirit undaunted engage in the fight 

With the legions of error, of vice and of crime. 
Let not the sweet smile of fond friendship e'er win 

Thee to leave the straight path of duty and trust, 
To tread the fair way of pleasurable sin, 

Or trail the pure flag of Eight in the dust. 

Stand up for the Eight — Stand up for the Eight ! 

Though the storms of adversity around thee may 
lower ; 
Yield not to the charms of wealth, fair and bright, 

Nor fear the dark frowns of place or of power. 
Be fearless and true, e'er looking for strength 

To him who has promised it as is our day ; 
Ne'er tear down the banner, and surely at length 

Thy brow shall be crowned with the conqueror's 
bay. 



AMONG SILENT HOMES. 



"He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he 
live."— John xi. 25. 



Upon this blessed Christmas day — 

The gladdest day that comes to earth, 
Telling in joyous festal lay 

Of the Saviour's wondrous birth — 
I wandered to the graveyard near, 

Seeking surcease of lonely pain, 
Among the silent homes of dear 

Lost ones, who ne'er come back again. 

How many loved ones have I there, 

Each resting in a quiet bed ! 
Some who have slept year after year, 

Some lately laid among my dead! 
So much of earthly light and joy 

Went with them when they passed away, 
It seemed a sadly sweet employ 

To linger where they rest to-day. 



74 Among Silent Homes. 



Oh ! as I passed from tomb to tomb 

I seemed to feel their presence near, 
And e'en amid the cypress gloom 

Held sweet communion with them there . 
Long vanished joys appeared once more, 

Past scenes, of which the brighest part 
Was shared by clear ones gone before, 

With a deep sweetness thrilled my heart. 

And as I mused, came thoughts of him, 

Of whom the day fresh memories brought, 
The conqueror of death and sin, 

And the glorious truth he taught — 
That to believing souls he is 

" The resurrection and the life," 
To saddened hearts a blest surcease 

Of lonely pain amid earth's strife. 

So from the land of death and graves 

My heart to higher realms did rise, 
And I beheld, through him who saves, 

My dear ones safe above the skies ; 
And the sweet hope to meet them there 

Came a rich benison to me, 
That when is done this life of care, 

With them forever I shall be. 



SEED-TIME. 



Now when radiant hopes of youth 
Around thy pathway glow — 
Now when morning skies of life 
Not a cloud or shadow show — 
In the fields of mind and heart 
Ever strive good seed to sow. 
Golden harvests then shall wave 
On every side along thy way, 
Leaving richer all you meet 
Doing good throughout life's day. 



10 



WOBDS AKE SEEDS. 



"Let your speech be always with grace." — Col. iv. 6. 
"Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." — Gal. vi. 7. 



Words are seeds, and well we know 

That like brings like wherever sown, 
And waving harvests surely show 

The kind of seed from which they've grown. 
Our vain and idle, wicked words 

Bring forth the sheaves of shame and pain ; 
But from our good and pleasant words 

Spring up sweet flowers and golden grain. 

Words are seeds, 'though they may lay 

Hidden long from sight and thought, 
And e'en alike by him who spake, 

And him who heard long since forgot ; 
They, e'en like seeds that lifeless seem, 

Ice-locked in nature's frozen breast, 
Bring forth their sweet or bitter fruits, 

By which our lives are cursed or blest. 



Words Are Seeds. 77 



Words are seeds ; by day and night 

Weak mortals sow upon the fields 
Of mind and heart the varied seeds 

That must a fruitful harvest yield. 
Our own lives shall the richer grow — 

To those we love our words do bring 
New brightness, if good seed we sow, 

To bless us in their ripening. 

Words are seeds. Oh ! solemn thought ! 

'Tis not alone for time we sow ; 
Eternal garners, we are taught, 

Our earthly sowing e'er shall show. 
Oh ! let us then with ceaseless care 

Watch well the seed our lips do cast, 
That when the harvest home shall come, 

We bring our sheaves with joy at last. 



ALL FOE GOOD. 



"All things work together for good to them that love God, to 
them who are the called according to his purpose." — Romans 
viii 28. 



"All for good." Thus saith the Lord, 

And he, we know cannot betray ; 
E'er true and gracious is his word, 

That firm shall stand 'though worlds decay; 
And the sweet promises he gives 

In his own word he will fulfil, 
'Though joy or sorrow mark our lives, 

If we but do his holy will. 

" All for good." Let reason not 

Come with her faint and feeble ray 
To make thee murmur at thy lot, 

Or drive thy peace of mind away. 
He who did form thine inmost heart, 

And knows each secret of thy breast, 
Will ever unto thee impart 

That which his wisdom seeth best. 



All for Good. 79 



" All for good." 'Though sunny skies 

Should oft be dimmed with sorrow's shade, 
'Though human friendship's broken ties 

Mark when thy trust hath been betrayed, 
Conlide in him who never yet 

Hath left a promise unredeemed, 
And thou shalt never know regret, 

'Though bright hopes died that fairest seemed. 

"All for good." 'Though often here 

Life seems a dark and troubled way, 
And, weary with sad grief and care, 

Thou seest no beauty in the day ; 
'Though darkness close on every hand, 

No star of light thine eye can see, 
Yet God's sweet promise sure doth stand ; 

Trust it, and all is well with thee. 

" All for good." If thou hast known 

An earnest love for him who gave 
Thee being first, then sent his Son 

From endless woe thy soul to save, 
Oh ! trust the promise and go on, 

Unmurmuring 'neath his chastening rod, 
And blessings shall thy pathway crown, 

For " all for good " hath said thy God. 



A SUNSET LESSON. 



'Mid cloudy curtains of the west 

At close of day 'though sets the sun, 
Gliding unto his couch of rest, 

Glad that his daily course is run ; 
In brighter light he will appear 

E'er as the morning draweth near. 
Glowing hope's bright sun may set 

Oft 'mid the shades of sorrow's night, 
Look upward still, for day shall yet 

Dawn far more beautiful and bright. 



FOUK-FOLD. 



' ' For the Lord God is a sun and shield : the Lord will give 
grace and glory." — Psalms lxxxiv. 11. 



The Lord God is a sun 

That doth all brightly shine 
To cheer and warm the trusting heart 

With light and love divine. 
His child he leads in righteous paths 

And makes his upward way, 
As one that " shineth more and more 

Unto the perfect day." 

The Lord God is a shield 

To those who do his will ; 
A sure protection he doth give 

From every snare and ill. 
'Though enemies encamp around, 

In love he guardeth well, 
'Mid plague or war or pestilence 

His saints in safety dw T ell. 



82 Fouk-Fold. 



The Lord God giveth grace, 

A free and ample share 
For every season, every place, 

To do, or be, or bear ; 
Though pain and toil and heavy grief 

May often mark their way, 
His children ever find his grace 

Sufficient for their day. 

The Lord God glory gives — 

But eye hath never seen, 
Nor hath ear heard, nor heart conceived 

The glory found within 
The jasper walls and pearly gates, 

The streets of shining gold, 
Which there the ransomed soul awaits, 

And endless years unfold. 



OUE FATHEE'S CAEE. 



' ' Casting all your care upon him ; for he careth for you. ' 
1 Petee v. 7 



Oue Father's care is over all, 

And he will guard and guide 
His chosen ones, whate'er befall, 

And for their wants provide ; 
The winged birds, the blooming flowers, 

His great protection share, 
And o'er these changeful lives of ours 

He keeps a watchful care. 

In fear and hope our work is done, 

We plan to reap and sow, 
And know not if to-morrow's sun 

Shall bring us joy or woe ; 
But unto all — above — beneath — 

Our Father's love is near, 
And all is well in life and death 

To those who trust his care. 
11 



I LOYE THE BBIGHT, BEIGHT SUNSHINE. 



' ' Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the 
eyes to behold the sun." — Ecclesiastes xi. 7. 



I love the bright, bright sunshine, 

And hail it with delight, 
When coming new it fair doth twine 

About the ruined night. 
It brightly gilds the skies so blue, 

And wreaths the rolling main ; 
It turns unto a golden hue 

The nodding heads of grain. 

I love the bright, bright sunshine, 

It crowns the river's breast, 
And makes the pearly dewdrops shine 

Upon the flower's crest. 
It brightly flecks the daisied dell, 

Through arching leaves o'erhead, 
And glides into the felon's cell 

With soft and silent tread. 



I Loye the Bright, Bkight Sunshine. 85 



I love the bright, bright sunshine, 

That o'er the earth is shed, 
Whose silvery rays doth richly line 

The darkest cloud o'erhead. 
To all that dwell beneath the skies 

It conies to cheer and bless : 
A fruitful source of hope and joy, 

And full of happiness. 

I love the bright, bright sunshine, 

It writes the love of God 
In ever fair and glowing lines 

O'er all the earth abroad. 
He makes his sun to daily rise 

On the evil and the good, 
That light may cheer rejoicing eyes, 

And earth bring forth and bud. 

I love the bright, bright sunshine, 

It is the garb of him 
Who reigns in love and bliss divine 

Above the seraphim ; 
Whose presence is a fadeless light, 

That doth fore'er illumine 
That shadeless land of pure delight 

That lies beyond the tomb. 



86 I Loye the Bkight, Bkight Sunshine. 



I love the bright, bright sunshine 

That gladdens everywhere, 
Bnt there's a light yet more divine, 

More beautiful and fair. 
Oh ! may that Sun of Kighteousness 

Upon our hearts arise, 
To lead us here in paths of peace 

And light us to the skies ! 



LESSON OF THE LEAF. 



We all do fade as a leaf." — Isaiah lxiv. 6. 



Oue time on earth, how brief ! 

How short life's day ! 
E'en like a fading leaf 

We pass away. 
Our years all swiftly fly 

Away from earth, 
And we lie down to die, 
' How near our birth ! 

Yet all our future fate 

Of woe or weal, 
A changeless and eternal state, 

These moments seal ! 
Oh ! may we now improve 

The hastening hours, 
In deeds of truth and love 

Use all our powers. 



88 Lesson of the Leaf. 



Our moments do not stay, 

But hasten on ; 
Soon here will close life's day, 

And we be gone ; 
A little while and we 

Upon the bier 
Shall lay us down and be 

Gone fore'er. 

May we so live that when 

The time shall come 
That life to us must end, 

We may go home 
Unto that land of light, 

Where joy doth reign, 
And in supreme delight 

Live e'er again. 



ONLY A GLASS OF WINE. 



'Wine is a mocker " — Proverbs xx. 1. 

; 'And lead'us not into temptation." — Matt. vi. 13. 



" Only a glass of wine," 
The joyous maiden said, 
As she gave the chalice bright, 
With smile of love and light, 
To the lover in young might, 

She'd proudly vowed to wed. 

" Only a glass of wine!" 
Amid the festive throng, 
Oh, how it gleam'd and shone, 
'Mid music and laughing tone, 
As quaffed by each merry one ! 
It surely could do no wrong. 

"Only a glass of wine! " 
So sparkling and so bright ! 
But out of it there came 



90 Only a Glass of Wine. 



A blackened and blasted name, 
Long years of sorrow and shame 
And dark, eternal night. 

" Only a glass of wine ! " 
But 'neath its ruddy glow, 

A cruel and deadly thing — 

The fatal adder's sting : — 

A demon that doth bring 

Sadness and death and woe. 

"Only a glass of wine!" 
A subtle, deadly snare ! 
Oh ! maiden, with winsome art, 
Act not the temptress' part, 
To wreck the life and heart 

Of him you hold most dear. 

" Only a glass of wine ! " 
Oh ! youth of promise bright, 
With faith and courage strong, 
Beware the siren song, 
Twill conquer thee ere long, 

And all thy prospect blight. 



TWO PEAYEES. 



Oh ! open thou my mouth, my Lord, 
And teach my tongue to speak 

Fit words in season, that shall be 

Ever acceptable to thee — 

To spread thy truth and love abroad — 
The good of all to seek. 

Oh! Lord, set thou a watch before 

My mouth, and help me when 
By silence I may best please thee — 
Unto thy cause most useful be — 
And spread about me, more and more, 
Peace and good will to men. 



12 



THE MATCHLESS TEACHEE. 



"The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 
John vii 46. 



Well might the officers return, 

With wicked orders disobeyed, 
Their armed force most impotent 

Against the truth of God arrayed, 
When sent b} T Scribes and Pharisees, 

The teacher wise and good to take, 
And tell with wonder, mixed with fear: 

"No man like this man ever spake." 

Forced witnesses unto the truth, 

They in their baffled plans proclaim 
The precious truth forever dear 

To all who love the Saviour's name. 
" No man like this man ever spake," 

Amid earth's restless care and strife, 
Its sin and woe, for he alone 

"Hath the words of eternal life." 



The Matchless Teacher. 93 



He spake with wisdom and with power, 

Such as no finite mind could know ; 
The multitude astonished were, 

And followed him thence to and fro, 
For with authority he taught, 

Not as the Scribes, but as the one 
Who with creative power at first 

In nature spake, and it was done. 

With matchless sweetness, too, he spake. 

And trusting hearts, methinks, did swell 
With joy and hope, as they believed 

The gracious truths his lips did tell ; 
He spake of heaven — those mansions bright, 

That he would soon go to prepare, 
And showed himself the way, the truth, 

The life that leadeth safely there. 

Unto the soul he spake, as one 

Who formed it first and knew full well 
All its unsounded heights and depths, 

All hopes and fears that in it dwell ; 
He spake the truth that makes it free, 

And taught it how in him to live, 
And showed the wondrous mystery 

Of life from death he came to give. 



94 The Matchless Teacher. 



Oh ! tlion great Teacher, wise and good, 

Speak to my trembling, hoping heart ; 
Speak with authority and power, 

Bid all its sin and fear depart! 
Bid me arise and come to thee, 

The power to rise and come bestow, 
That I may hear and follow thee 

Through all this changing life below. 



MAKING MEMOBIES. 



As the days of earthly life 
Go fleeting one by one away, 

We all are making memories 

By what we think, and do, and say. 

Memories, sorrowful or sweet, 
In the great future shall be ours, 

As we sow from day to day 

The fruitful seeds of thorns or flowers. 

Gentle words and deeds of kindness 
Sweet as rare roses then shall be, 

But evil we've said and done 

Shall pierce like thorns in memory. 

If we would find the coming years 
Stored with memories fair and sweet, 

We must now, as the days go by, 
There lay them up by conduct meet. 



LIGHT IN DAKKNESS. 



"As one whom his mother comforted, so will I comfort you. 
-Isaiah lxvi. 13. 



One eve in summer, years ago, 

There sat a fair and youthful maid, 
With drooping head and heart of woe, 

Beneath an aged elm tree's shade. 
The arrows of the setting sun 

Had lodged amid her auburn hair, 
And sunny brow and cheek upon 

Did play the ambient evening air. 

She heeded not that zephyrs mild 

Danced o'er her brow with gentle tread, 
Or that bright sunbeams sweetly smiled 

In golden radiance 'round her head. 
The fragrant flowers that kissed her feet, 

Failed to elicit from her now 
The gladsome smiles that erst did meet 

Their fragrant greetings, soft and low. 



Light in Darkness. 97 



A heavy sorrow dark and drear 

Upon her heart that day had come, 
Which her young heart could scarcely bear, 

Filling with gloom her once bright home ; 
For a fond mother's loving eyes 

Had sadly closed in death's long sleep, 
And there, beneath the calm, blue skies, 

In solitude she had come to weep. 

Shrouded with gloom her life all seemed 

A dreary, dark and lonely way ; 
No golden sunlight o'er her beamed 

To cheer her with its beauteous ray. 
A mother's voice, in counsels sage, 

Or cheering words she'd no more hear, 
Life's weary sorrows to assuage, 

Or make the path of duty clear. 

Around her other friends might come 

In that sad and trying hour, 
To cheer her lonely heart and home 

With friendship's sweet and tender power ; 
Yet who could hope e'er to efface 

The sorrow from her heart so lone ? 
Oh ! who can ever fill the place 

Of a fond mother, lost and gone ? 



98 Light in Darkness. 



But while upon her heart there lay 

Dark sorrow, grief and pain, 
So deep it seem'd that not one ray 

Of light could gild her path again. 
A loving voice, so sweet and mild, 

In tender tones she seemed to hear, 
As soft it whispered, " Mourning child, 

Oh ! do not yield to dark despair ; 

" Be not dismayed, 'though earth seems drear, 

And thy young life is filled with woe ; 
Confide in me ; thy heart I'll cheer, 

The rolling waves shall not o'erflow. 
Through all the world thy steps I'll guide, 

Thy friend and comforter will be ; 
And 'though thy loved one here has died, 

She ever lives in joy with me." 

Dark sorrow's tide then ceased to roll, 

'Though tears still trembled in her eyes ; 
A peaceful calmness o'er her stole, 

While sweet hope pointed to the skies ; 
And 'though upon this earth below 

She misses oft a mother's love, 
Her lonely heart is cheered to know 

She'll meet and rest with her above. 



THE LAND OF BEST. 






"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 
Hebeews iv. 9, 



'Mid all the varied scenes of earth, 

Where golden wealth doth gild life's way, 
Or pleasure bright and joyous mirth 

In pleasing forms their charms display, 
Where fame and honor spread their store, 

With praises sweet to thrill the breast, 
The immortal soul, still craving more, 

Doth vainly seek for peace and rest. 

Sweet singing birds, fair blooming flowers, 

Bright, sparkling stars, soft skies so blue, 
Fond, faithful friends, who wreathe the hours 

With all that earthly love can do ; 
Fair, pearly clouds that float in space, 

The moon that gilds old ocean's breast, 
Nor all earth's beauty, wealth or grace, 

Can give the soul true, lasting rest. 

13 



100 The Land of Best. 



But there is one whose voice of might 

E'en raging seas and storms obey ; 
His word is truth, his presence light, 

All anxious fears he drives away. 
Before the world he ever stands 

In power and majesty confess'd, 
With loving heart and waiting hands, 

And sweetly bids all : " Come and rest." 

There is a bright and cloudless clime, 

A land of blessedness above, 
Afar beyond the reign of time, 

Where naught is known but joy and love. 
Amid its green and fertile plains 

Bright streams of living waters roll. 
There never come dark care and pains, 

But purest pleasures feast the soul. 

There never falls sad sorrows blight, 

For there doth grow no fruits of sin, 
But all is shadowless delight, 

" No friend goes out, no foe comes in " ; 
Immortal joys crown each one there, 

In spotless garments all are dress'd ; 
Celestial music fills the air, 

And all have found eternal rest. 



The Land of Kest. 101 



May we so live, that when this life 

With all its smiles and tears is o'er, 
Fore'er are finished toil and strife, 

And doubts and fears disturb no more, 
With songs of triumph we may come 

Unto the mansions of the blest, 
And in our Heavenly Father's home 

In endless bliss forever rest ! 



THE POWEE OE CHEIST. 



"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." — Mat- 
thew xxviii. 18. 



All power is given unto thee, 

Our Saviour and our King, 
In heaven and earth, that thou should'st be 

The head o'er everything. 
The troubled seas in stormy hour 

Obey thy sovereign word, 
The evil spirits know thy power, 

And own thee for their Lord. 

To thee, our Saviour and our King, 

We lift our songs of praise, 
Thy wondrous works of power to sing, 

Thy goodness and thy grace ; 
For thou to save from sin and shame 

Did'st leave thy blest abode ; 
Poorer than birds of air became, 

To make us heirs of God. 



The Powee of Christ. 



103 



Oh ! may our hearts, when storm-clouds lower, 

And passions rage within, 
Be calmed beneath thy mighty power, 

And cleansed from guilt and sin ; 
And grant us grace to follow thee 

"Wherever thou would'st guide, 
Through good or ill, on land or sea, 

And thou with us abide. 



THE TEST OF LOYE. 



' ' Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. 
John xv. 14. 



Oh ! oft within the heart doth rise 

Sad, troublous thoughts that give us pain, 
As to the love we bear to him, 

Who over all should sovereign reign. 
It need not be. The loving heart 

Its fealty may well approve ; 
The Saviour plainly points the way : 

Obedience is the test of love. 

" Whoso keepeth my commandments, 

He it is that loveth me." So 
Said the Master, and whoso brings 

His heart unto this test may know 
Its true condition. Love sincere 

Rejoiceth at all times to give 
The tribute of a service true 

To him for whom it joys to live. 



The Test of Love. 105 



'Tis not the labor of a slave, 

Whom fear of punishment alone 
Doth drive unto a heartless toil, 

Glad when the time of work is done ; 
Nor doth the hireling service, given 

But for the wages or reward, 
'Though well performed, at season fit, 

Win glad approval of the Lord. 

The service by the Master blest 

Is like that which a faithful son 
Doth render to a parent dear, 

With filial joy and gladness done. 
And he who thus with loving zeal 

Is quick to hear, prompt to obey, 
Shall in his Saviour's love abide, 

And find his own grow day by day. 

If thou dost feel it in thine heart 

A precious privilege and joy 
In the high service of the King, 

All thy powers and gifts to employ, 
Then bid sad fears and doubts depart, 

Be with a sense of love possess'd, 
Rest sweetly on thy Saviour's word — 

Obedience is of love the test. 



i 



SUNRISE. 



Turn yonr face toward the sunrise, 
Let its brightness fill your heart 

With new light and warmth and courage, 
And all shadows bid depart. 

Ever look unto the sunrise, 
"Walking, working in its light ; 

All the shadows fall behind you 
And your life shall know no night. 









"AND YET THEEE IS BOOM." 



"Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is 
room. " — Luke xiv. 22. 



The feast is prepared — the table is spread — 

Provision for all has fully been made ; 
All things are ready — the summons gone forth — 

As servants the Master's words have obeyed. 
The poor and the maimed, the halt and the blind, 

In poverty's vale and sorrow's deep gloom, 
Have heard the glad call, and gathered with joy 

Around the rich board, and yet there is room. 



And yet there is room. From alleys and lanes, 

From palace and cot, from land and from sea, 
The old and the young, the rich and the poor, 

Meet at the banquet, so costly and free. 
And yet there is room for one and for all, 

Who, weary of care and folly and sin, 
Will heed the glad call, and unto the feast 

Of pardoning love come gratefully in. 
14 



108 And Yet There is Boom. 



And yet there is room. In the deathless love 

Of Jesus, who laid his glory aside, . 
Came down to our earth at mercy's behest, 

In place of lost sinners suffered and died ; 
His love brings peace to the sorrowing heart, 

Balm to the wounded and brightness in gloom ; 
Thousands have tasted and shared in its joy, 

Yet at this wonderful feast there is room. 

And yet there is room. In heaven above, 

Where the ransomed of earth for ages have met, 
And sat at the feast of immortal joy, 

There is room for sad, weary wanderers yet ; 
The portals are hung with the tokens of love, 

The many mansions of bliss are oped wide ; 
All are invited by royal command, • 

And none who will come shall e'er be denied. 

And yet there is room. O, why will ye starve 

On husks of the world your perishing soul, 
And slight the banquet of mercy and love, 

At which ye may rest while eternity rolls ? 
The Son of the King has opened the door, 

The feast of the King is ready for thee ; 
The guests of the King — his children and heirs — 

Now and fore'er ye may joj^ously be. 



And Yet There is Eoom. 109 



And yet there is room. Come now to the feast ; 

Stay not in doubt of a welcoming smile, 
Nor wait to prepare — all things are ready — 

Robes for the naked, the poor and. the vile. 
Come just as ye are, all sinful and sad, 

For sorrow and death get beauty and bloom ; 
The King has invited — obey the kind call — 

And find at his feast for you there is room. 



85^1 







mm 






V 



'■W'S 




